Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon 2026

The Aotearoa Afghanistan Marathon is a gravel-road race held in Riverhead Forest, northwest of Auckland. The start and finish are located at the Barlow Road entrance. Taking place in November, the event features a marathon of approximately 42 km, a half marathon, a 10 km run/walk, and a 6 km run/walk. The marathon course consists of two laps of a 21 km circuit, and the half marathon is one lap. This setup accommodates full-distance runners, walkers, families, and individuals seeking a shorter off-road race. The route follows unsealed forest roads, avoiding muddy singletrack, technical trail sections, or uneven bush paths. Timatanga Hou, a not-for-profit organization, manages the event with assistance from Lactic Turkey. Proceeds from the race contribute to future projects. The marathon's design was inspired by the original Marathon of Afghanistan, utilizing Riverhead's gravel roads to reflect that event's mountain origins. Beyond the running, the day includes Afghan music, handicrafts, and food stalls offering items like Kabuli pulao. The event also serves a distinct community objective: it supports and provides visibility for Afghan women in New Zealand who have resettled after the Taliban's return to power.